| Subject: | Full speed, and car dies? |
| Question: | So I took towed it
to the dealer...no error codes, they couldnt even get it to stall.
They suggested it may be a motor within the throttle body, but they
couldn't be sure, and didnt want to bet on it because of the expense.
I suggested the Fuel Pump relay again, but apperantly that is rarely
a problem. I've heard stories about Fuel Pumps coming back to life
after being moved. Is it possible the Tow to the dealership made this
happen? One thing I noticed is that stalling seemed to happen as it
was coming up to operating temp. I would prefer not have my engine
explode, because it seems to run like a dream, when it's running of
course. side note: The night it wouldnt start was when I had left it out in the sun all day long. It was in the 90's, could this be a clue? If the dealer can't fix this, who can? |
| Answer: | Danny, That motor in the throttle body can be checked without replacing it. In fact, it can be checked without even removing it from the car. Either way, I doubt that's your problem. They were right about the fuel pump relay. Those really go bad because they are so simple. I currently own two cars that are both over 10 years old, and I've never had a relay problem. One piece of information you gave me that may be helpful was the higher temperature. Fuel pumps run very hot. It gets cooled by having gasoline passing through it. If you run your gas tank down to almost empty, your fuel pump will have a hard time cooling down. Over time, all that heat wears it down, and eventually it fails. I had to replace a fuel pump after only being in my car for 6 years. Also, your fuel injectors are sitting right on the intake manifold. After your car warms up, then turned off, all that heat soaks into the fuel injectors and can cause problems; especially if not enough fuel is getting to the injectors due to a weak fuel pump. Tell the folks at the dealership to change the fuel filter as a
first step; cheap and easy. Then tell them to thoroughly inspect
the fuel pump. It may just be a corroded electrical connections that
can be patched. Also have them inspect the fuel injectors. Really
emphesize to them that you believe this is a fuel problem. All the
items I mentioned are pretty easy to check out; especially for a
Mitsubishi dealership. If they refuse to believe you, take your car
to a local mechanic that you know is trustworthy. |